Packing up 2012 and embracing 2013

The last of the Christmas decorations went into their boxes today. The seasonal towels are washed and we returned the grandbaby’s bed to the guest room where she usually sleeps when I watch her. The tree has been stuffed into its storage case until next year.

Somehow, this was the most leisurely set-up and tear-down I can remember. Our kids are grown so there are no little “helpers”. Our granddaughter rearranged the bottom tier of ornaments (all unbreakables down there) but otherwise, it stayed just as I put it. We hosted a few big parties, enjoyed the company of family and friends. We talked about how blessed we are to live in the Northwest with abundant food and shelter.

Now it’s time to move on. I always take a few days at the end of the year, sipping tea and evaluating the year past during the lull when others are frantically shopping. I give things away, improve storage, and declutter what I no longer use. From all the books available in the library, it seems we all have too much stuff and are interested in shedding and simplifying our lives. That way, authors promise us, we will make time for the important things – like having friends OVER in our hard-earned homes, nurturing our dreams, and baking or crafting once in a while.

This year I accomplished a life goal (a PhD), wrote faithfully and often, and got my home and schedule back on track. I’m also working on replacing bad habits with good (as usual) and behind – as usual – in what I hoped to accomplish by January 1. I not only love the season, but I thrive on the renewing of our home by moving things around, thinking about the world, and resolving to do better in the coming year.

We all get the same amount of time, and the new calendar brings the perception of new beginnings. I love ringing in the New Year with friends. This year we watched the Space Needle fireworks from the deck of a boat moored in Union Bay. We slept sleeping aboard on the still calm water. The next day, we woke to sunshine, enjoyed a leisurely breakfast, and walked into Fremont to the George and Dragon for a late lunch. Then we sauntered back to the boat to chat and relax. Seattle, there’s nowhere as pretty when you have sunshine!!!

A few favorite encouragements for simplifying this year: blogs like ZenHabits, peacefulones.blogspot, and Apartment Therapy’s January Cure. Check them out?

It’s fun to see how others are ringing in the first week of the 2013. My neighbors belted out cheery “Happy New Year!” greetings today as we passed on our walks. Even the mailman (oops, male postal delivery person) waved at everyone today. Several neighbors have enlisted their youngsters and teens to help them put away Christmas lights. And the Boy Scouts and other groups are gathering trees for composting.